[Treatment of acne]

Acne vulgaris is one of the world's most common diseases, and although most patients only experience mild disease there is often demand for therapy. Therapy can be initiated due to objective changes, risk of scarring and self-perceived need of treatment in the patient. The development of isotretinoin has made it possible to control even the most severe degrees of acne. The substance however has a documented potential for teratogenicity which limits its general use. There are however a number of other effective treatments available in clinical practice. Treatment may be topical or systemic, but in most cases the patients will benefit from a combination therapy aimed at different pathogenic steps in the development of acne. Standard treatments and combinations may be suggested based on the primary effects of different drugs.